Entry control point device, system and method

ABSTRACT

The present invention provides an entry control device, system and method which can recognize a vehicle by its undercarriage image only. The present invention compares a new vehicle undercarriage image with those stored in a reference database to facilitate the automatic search of a vehicle&#39;s undercarriage. The present invention can compare the new undercarriage image to the same or similar undercarriage image previously entered in the reference database, highlighting any anomalies such as, for example, foreign objects, explosives, drugs, paraphernalia and other illegal and/or harmful substances and devices.

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional application of, and claims priorityunder 35 U.S.C. 120 to U.S. non-provisional application Ser. No.11/360,758, filed Feb. 23, 2006, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,349,007 entitled“Entry Control Point Device, System and Method” which claims the benefitof U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/655,321, filed Feb.23, 2005 and entitled “Entry Control Point System and Method”, thedisclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to access control and security, and moreparticularly to a device, system and method for scanning and analyzingthe undersides of motor vehicles, and initiating responsive action asnecessary.

BACKGROUND

Several technologies exist which can scan the underside of motorvehicles. Many of these technologies rely on the ability to link avehicle with a vehicle identifier (e.g., license plate number, radiofrequency identification (RFID) tag, etc.) so as to be able to performan automated search of the underside. Other technologies produce only asingle image requiring manual inspection of the vehicle image on ascreen.

Of those systems that produce an image, the image is typically taken atjust one angle (e.g., 90 degree to the horizontal), which allows foreignobjects to be hidden in pockets or on cross members under the vehicle,for example. Further, the lighting is often inadequate in such systemsto meet the requirements for quality high-resolution images, whethertaken at night or during the day. Many such systems rely on ambientlight to supplement whatever illumination is provided, and thisfrequently results in a high number of false positives. Further, manysuch systems require that a vehicle pass by at a very narrow speedrange.

Regarding image storage and retrieval, current systems generally onlyrecord images via an archiving function. Where a vehicle identifier isused, an image may be called back from a local database, but not acentral database in a networked configuration. Further, systemspurporting to automatically detect foreign objects on vehicle undersidesfail to show a direct regional comparison between thereferenced/archived image and the new image, and do not highlight thetargeted region for direct inspection.

There is thus a need for a system and method which resolves the aboveand other problems in order to provide foreign object detectioncapabilities and other access control and security benefits associatedwith vehicle underside detection.

SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

The present invention is a comprehensive under vehicle scanning device,system and method that can be deployed either in a mobile format (e.g.,on a steel platform) or embedded in a road at an entry control point,for example. The present invention allows for the creation and storageof a database of reference images, one set of images (e.g., front andbackward facing views) of each make and model of vehicle available, inorder to permit automatic identification of a vehicle based on one ormore newly detected vehicle images. The system achieves this bycomparing newly detected images with those held in the referencedatabase to identify the same or similar vehicle. In one embodiment, thepresent invention can identify a vehicle make and model by its imagealone. Once identified, the system can run automatic comparisons betweenthe two images (new and the reference images) to identify any anomaliessuch as the presence of foreign objects. Any anomalies are highlightedby the system for further analysis and potential action.

In one embodiment of the invention, an above-ground (e.g., front or rearview) vehicle image is also captured that the operator can then view onthe screen. All images are recorded and held in one or more databases,are time and date stamped and can be recalled through a search feature.The present invention can also place vehicles on a watch list forsubsequent monitoring.

In one embodiment of the present invention, a scanner configuration isprovided for capturing two simultaneous views of the undercarriage.These simultaneous views or images can be taken from differentdirections and at different angles. For example, a first view or imagecan be taken looking forward in the same direction as the direction ofthe traveling vehicle, while a second view or image can be taken lookingbackward in the opposite direction of the traveling vehicle. The scannerconfiguration can include a camera, one or more mirror arrangements andone or more lighting arrangements to enhance lighting for accurate imagerecording. In one embodiment of the present invention, an ambient heatshield (AHS) and one or more ambient light shields (ALS) are employed toenhance the durability and reliability of the scanner configuration.

The present invention can be serviced via a network such as the Internetfrom anywhere in the world, and the system software and storedinformation can be downloaded, upgraded and maintained via a networksuch as the Internet.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a photograph image of a perspective view of a mobile platformassembly incorporating one embodiment of the scanner configuration ofthe present invention.

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of an alternative embodiment of the mobileplatform assembly of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a photograph image of a side perspective view of the mobileplatform assembly represented in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a top plan schematic views of one embodiment of the scannerconfiguration of the present invention, with the scanner top elementsremoved to reveal inner detail.

FIG. 5 is a side elevational schematic views of one embodiment ofelements of the scanner configuration of the present invention, with awall removed so as to reveal inner detail.

FIG. 6 is a schematic representation of an entry control systemincorporating the mobile platform and scanner configuration inaccordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 7 through 9 are example screen displays associated with a monitorinterface incorporated in one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is an exemplary schematic layout of an entry control system inaccordance with one aspect of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The present invention is a comprehensive under vehicle scanning device,system and method that can be deployed either in a mobile format (e.g.,on a steel platform) or embedded in a road at an entry control point,for example. The present invention has utility in a variety of areas,including, for example, vehicle entry control for military fielddeployments, military bases, chemical areas, nuclear generationfacilities, power stations, water reservoirs as well as generalcommercial environments.

As shown in FIGS. 1 through 3, the mobile implementation of the presentinvention can comprise the following elements: (a) two platform runners50; (b) two cross members 52; (c) a scanner 54; (d) a proximity sensor55; and (e) a front camera (not shown). In the “embedded” embodiment ofthe present invention, the platform runners and cross members may not berequired, as the present invention can be embedded in the groundunderneath any vehicle which may pass over. In the mobile platformembodiment as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the scanner 54 is positionedbetween the two platform runners and is maintained so as to avoidvibration and other negative consequences. In one embodiment of thepresent invention, the scanner is not mounted to any other portion ofthe invention.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the two runners 50 can beapproximately twelve feet long by approximately two feet wide andapproximately two inches high, for example, and made of steel (e.g.,diamond plate ends and steel grating). The runners can have lead on andoff ramps 57 as part of the runners overall length (e.g., twelve feet)that raise vehicles up from the flat ground to a certain height (e.g.,approximately two inches) above the ground. On the leading edge of oneof the runners (e.g., the right hand runner), a proximity sensor 55 canbe provided. The sensor is activated by a pressure switch containedwithin a thick rubber strip, similar to those used at car washes, forexample.

Guide rails 58 can also be provided to keep the vehicle profile asconsistent as possible. It will be appreciated that the runners will bemaintained in substantially parallel condition to facilitate vehiclespassing over them. The two cross members 52 assist in this process bylinking the two runners 50 together by interlocking connections, in oneembodiment. Because vehicles can vary in width and dimensions betweentires, the invention incorporates an algorithm which adjusts for vehicleprofiles up to a particular distance, such as six inches, for example.In one embodiment, one of the runners can be provided with internalwiring that services a front camera and the proximity sensor. Internalwiring also provides power and CAT5E (network) connection between theexternal power supply and a system monitor, as described more completelybelow in connection with FIG. 8. Short power and CAT5E cables can runfrom scanner component of the present invention to the longer cablesconnecting the scanner component to the monitor of the presentinvention. The system is operable on both 24 DC (direct current) and 90(60 Hz)-230 (50 Hz) volts AC (alternating current).

In one embodiment of the invention, the front (above-ground) camera is aday and night camera that can produce a (e.g., colored) picture of allvehicles as they enter the platform. In one embodiment of the presentinvention, the camera can be triggered by a pulse from the proximitysensor through a digital input/output element. Likewise, the main camerawithin the scanner can be triggered along with the LED lights when avehicle crosses the proximity sensor, as described more completelyhereinafter. In one embodiment of the present invention, the frontabove-ground camera is an NTSC or NTSC-compatible camera with a 4.3 mmbuilt in lens, 420 TV lines resolution and with a shutter speed of 1/50( 1/60)- 1/100,000 sec. The front camera can operate using 12 V DC powerat 120 mA, with an infrared wavelength of 850 nm and IR lamp irradiationof 15 m, for example.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the scanner component 54 of the presentinvention includes a housing or framework 60 having a front end 62, aback end 64, a top surface 66, and openings 68 created between the topedge 65 of the front 67 and back 69 end walls and the respective sideedges 71, 72 of the top surface 66. In one embodiment of the presentinvention, the scanner framework 54 is constructed of aluminum sheeting(e.g., approximately ⅛^(th) inch thick). In one embodiment of thepresent invention, as shown in FIG. 5, the present invention can furtherdeploy an ambient heat shield (AHS) 70, which absorbs the direct heatfrom the sun and which may be positioned above the top cover of thescanner, for example. In one embodiment of the present invention, theAHS is positioned ½ inch above the scanner top cover, although thisheight can be reduced depending upon the implementation. The spacebetween the top cover of the scanner component and the AHS createsairflow to move the heat away from the inner space of the scannercomponent.

Two windows 73, 74 can be securely positioned between the top surface 66and the end walls 67, 69 in order to cover the respective openings whilemaintaining visibility therethrough. In one embodiment of the presentinvention, as shown in FIG. 5, the windows are secured at respectiveangles A and B to the horizontal. In a further embodiment of the presentinvention, the windows are made of anti-reflective, anti-glare glass andprovided with a hydrophobic coating to provide water resistant and/orwaterproof properties. In one embodiment of the present invention,hydrophobic glass can be provided with a reflective index ofapproximately 0.02%. As further shown in FIG. 5, a first window 73 ispositioned to face forward (i.e., in the direction of travel of theoverriding vehicle) and a second window 74 is positioned to facebackward (i.e., against the direction of travel of the overridingvehicle) to assist in capturing two simultaneous views of the vehicle.The direction of travel of a given vehicle is indicated by arrow C inFIGS. 4 and 5. The windows can be secured to the framework usingstandard hardware as is known in the art.

As further shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the scanner configuration of thepresent invention includes a camera 75 and first 76 and second 77internal mirror arrangements, which can be angled such that internalmirrors 82 and 84 face out through the anti-reflective, anti-glare,water-repellant glass members.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the camera can be the BaslerA602f wide area scan camera manufactured by Basler Vision Technology ofAhrensburg, Germany, capable of recording digital video images at a rateof at least 200 frames per second. The camera is provided with a lens 78and can be secured to a beam 80 within the scanner framework. In oneembodiment of the invention, the scanner camera is secured in a positionthat faces the direction C of oncoming travel of a vehicle, as shown inFIGS. 4 and 5. In another embodiment of the invention, the camera issecured in a position that faces the direction of outgoing travel of avehicle across the platform. As shown in FIG. 5, the camera can besecured such that the lens faces at an angle downwardly away from theframework top surface 66 such that the camera is appropriatelypositioned to capture images reflected off of the first 76 and second 77mirror arrangements. The present invention is thus distinguished fromprior devices in which one or more cameras are faced directly upward. Itis contemplated that the camera of the present invention can be orientedsuch that its lens faces either the front end or the back end of theframework. It is further contemplated that the camera of the presentinvention can be mounted to or near the framework bottom surface 61 andangled upwardly so as to record images reflected from mirrorarrangements positioned above the camera (as opposed to below the cameraas shown in FIGS. 4 and 5). The camera orientation also facilitatesmaintaining a low profile for the scanner configuration 54 of thepresent invention. If the camera were to be mounted facing directly up,ninety degrees from the horizontal, the profile of the device would bemuch higher, and the reliability of the images would be lower asdescribed in more detail below. Further, the short distance between thecamera and the overpassing vehicle (when the camera faces directly up)limits the breadth and accuracy of any images thus captured.

As further shown in FIG. 4, the first mirror arrangement indicated at 76can be secured to the framework so as to provide a first reflectingsurface angled upwardly toward the framework top surface 66 and towardthe framework front end 62. The positioning of the first mirrorarrangement enables the camera to record images reflected by the firstmirror 82 as they appear on the other side of window member 73. Thefirst mirror arrangement includes a first mirror secured at or near thescanner framework front end. In one embodiment of the invention, asshown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the first mirror is secured inside the frontwall 67 of the scanner framework and below the front window 73. Themirror can be secured using a mirror support element and a mirror clipelement, as will be understood to those of ordinary skill in the art ofmounting mirrors.

In a similar manner, the second mirror arrangement, indicated at 77, canbe secured to the framework so as to provide a second reflecting surfaceangled upwardly in a direction facing the framework top surface 66 andthe framework back end 64. The positioning of the second mirrorarrangement 77 enables the camera 75 to record images reflected by thesecond mirror arrangement as they appear on the other side of windowmember 74. The second mirror arrangement 77 can include a larger primarymirror 84 mounted at or near the framework back end 64 and a smallersecondary mirror 86 mounted at a location 87 in between the front 62 andback 64 ends of the scanner framework. As shown in FIG. 5, the primarymirror 84 of the second mirror arrangement 77 is secured inside the backwall 64 of the framework and underneath the back window member 74. Inone embodiment of the present invention, the secondary mirror 86 of thesecond mirror arrangement 77 can be positioned roughly halfway betweenthe scanner framework front 62 and end 64 walls, and can be secured in asubstantially perpendicular relation to the framework bottom floor 61.

In one embodiment, each large mirror 82, 84 is approximately thirty-sixinches long and approximately four inches high and the smaller mirror 86is approximately twelve inches long and approximately one inch high. Inone embodiment of the invention, the small mirror is placedapproximately three and one-half inches in front of the camera 75 toassist in reflecting light appropriately against large mirror 84. Themirrors 82 and 84 can be angled so as to maximize the likelihood ofobtaining reliable images. In one embodiment of the present invention,mirror 82 is secured at an angle D of between approximately 20 and 30degrees from the horizontal, and mirror 84 is secured at an angle E ofbetween approximately 25 and 35 degrees from the horizontal. Theseangles have been determined to be optimal for image capture and qualityassurance so as to avoid poor images or false positives according to thesystems, devices and methods of the present invention. These angles havealso been determined to match well with the angle at which the scannercamera is positioned within the device of the present invention, inorder to provide a device with a low profile for convenience ofoperation. In spite of the approximate angles above, the inventioncontemplates changing these angles to accommodate different environmentsor vehicles, for example.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the scanner configuration including thecamera and first and second mirror arrangements allows the device of thepresent invention to operate such that the camera can detect multipleimages from an overriding vehicle at the same time. The top half of thecamera lens looks over the small mirror 86 on to the front mirror 82.The bottom half of the camera lens looks onto the small mirror 86 thatcaptures the view reflected by the back main mirror 84. A first view istaken of the vehicle as it approaches wall 69 as shown by the dashedlines 92. In this view, the camera is recording the image of the vehicleas reflected by the back mirror 84 at the back end of the scannerframework looking toward the back of the vehicle via the smaller mirror86. A second view is simultaneously recorded by the camera as it isreflected from the first mirror arrangement as indicated in dashed linesat 90.

It will be appreciated that the present invention can capture thedesired forward facing and rearward facing views using other camera andmirror arrangements. In one embodiment of the invention, two cameras areemployed wherein a first camera faces upwardly at an angle similar tothat of first window and a second camera faces upwardly at an anglesimilar to that of second window. In order to obtain greater distancefrom the camera lens to the vehicle underbody, two cameras can also beemployed in an arrangement with two mirror arrangements similar to thatdescribed above. In this embodiment, however, the first camera would bereflected off of the first mirror arrangement similar to that describedabove, while the second camera would be positioned near the first cameraand reflected off of the primary mirror of the second mirrorarrangement. In this embodiment, there would be no secondary mirror ofthe second mirror arrangement and the positioning of the second cameraand the primary mirror of the second arrangement would possibly requireadjustment over that described above in order to capture images at theappropriate angle for use in connection with the present invention.

The ability to capture simultaneous images from different anglesprovides a significant advantage over prior devices. As a first matter,capturing the simultaneous images from different angles provides a morerobust database of reference images as significantly more details arecaptured, thereby enabling enhanced and more accurate later comparisonsof field data. Secondly, capturing the simultaneous images fromdifferent angles provides an opportunity to better capture imagesdetailing areas where explosives, contraband and other foreign objectsmay be hidden. Thirdly, capturing simultaneous images from differentangles improves the likelihood of making a successful match with thesimilar stored images, thereby increasing the reliability of the systemresults and entry control functions. It will be appreciated thatsimultaneous can mean the identical instant in time, or thenear-identical instant in time.

As shown in FIGS. 2, 3, and 4, the scanner configuration of the presentinvention can also include two lighting rails 95. In one embodiment,these rails are secured to the scanner frame, one at each end. As shownin FIG. 4, the lighting rails are secured to the outside of respectivefront 67 and end 69 walls of the framework. The lighting rails eachinclude, in one embodiment, sixty red LEDs (120 in total) and the LEDscan be angled in such a direction so as to closely match the angle atwhich the images are recorded through respective glass windows. In oneembodiment of the invention, the lighting rail LEDs are angled atapproximately 25 degrees from the horizontal (e.g., scanner frameworkbase). In one embodiment, the lights can be housed in an aluminum casingwhich can be approximately two inches by two inches by sixty inches longcovered in plexiglass, for example. In another embodiment of the presentinvention, the lighting can be in the form of a dense LED array withsignificantly more LEDs in a printed circuit board arrangement, forexample.

In one embodiment of the present invention, ambient light shields (ALS)can be deployed comprising a white opaque material on aluminum framingthat can stand alongside other elements of the present invention, forexample. In this way, the ALS can significantly block ambient light fromthe scanner during daytime operations, while reflecting light duringnight operations to assist in illuminating the outer edge of the vehiclecrossing the scanner component of the present invention by reflectingback the light produced from the lighting strips. In another aspect ofthe present invention, components of the present invention (e.g.,scanner component with lighting rails) can be sealed from the weatherelements (e.g., dust, precipitation, wind).

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, an ambient heat shield 70 (AHS) can beprovided on top of the scanner device and, in one embodiment, the AHS issupported approximately ½ inch above the top cover of the scanner. Thisstructure allows for airflow to take any access heat away from the topof the scanner. The shield can also be made of ⅛^(th) inch aluminum, forexample.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the scanner 54 can containseveral electronic components, including, for example, a single boardcomputer (SBC) 96, one or more power supplies 97, the camera 75, adigital input/output device (DIO), a frame grabber, and one or morepower pucks (to regulate lighting power). The SBC 96, power supply 97and other elements can be mounted to the framework using standardhardware as is known in the art. In one embodiment of the invention, theSBC has associated programming and logic that can operate so as tostitch frames taken from the multiple views into two individual imagesfor comparison with reference images. For example, when a vehicle passesover the device and images are recorded by the wide scan camera, aforward looking image and a rearward looking image can be produced usingsoftware programming associated with the present invention such that theimage frames are “stitched” together. In this way, two images areproduced—a first image is produced by stitching together the recordedframes in the forward facing view, and the second image is produced bystitching together the recorded frames in the rearward facing view. Thepresent invention stitches frames in a way that distinguishes over priordevices which might incorporate “line stitching” of images as describedmore completely below.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the scanner SBC can comprisedual redundant SBCs using, for example, Intel™ 1.6 GHz P4 mobileprocessors and 1 GB of SDRAM, wherein each SBC is provided with 2 RS-232ports, 4 USB ports, 2 10/100 Ethernet ports, a CompactFlash socket, aPCMCIA socket and dual IEEE 1394A (Firewire) interfaces. Such animplementation will be appreciated as an example implementation and thesystem is capable of working equally well with different or substituteelements. The scanner can also be provided with a digital I/O interfaceas described that provides the control interface to the scanner camera,lighting system, traffic light and proximity sensor. The scanner cameracontroller can be provided with the Microsoft Windows™ Embedded XPCompact Flash operating system, for example, and the scanner subsystemscan be connected via a 10/100 Base T Ethernet up to a 1000 Base TEthernet communications bus in one embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 6, the present invention can be implemented as part ofan entry control system, including an entry control platform and scannerdevice as described above (shown generally at 10) and a computer/monitorelement 15. Computer and monitor 15 can access a database 20, which canbe locally stored on the computer 15 or accessible via a network.Computer 15 can also be connected to a wide area network 25 such as theInternet, for example, in order to access a different database 30 foruse with the present invention. This database 30 can be used to storeand update reference images for vehicles of all types, and may be usedto update local database 20, in one embodiment of the invention.Reference images can be “stock” images of vehicle undersides madeavailable by vehicle manufacturers, dealers or service providers, forexample. Alternatively, reference images can be images created using thesystem, device and methods of the present invention. It will beappreciated that the effectiveness of the present invention can beincreased when using reference images created using the presentinvention, due to the increased accuracy and comprehensive detailavailable using the present invention.

A separate computer 35 is shown, which may be a remote computer notlocated near the physical entry control deployment elements 10. Thus,the present invention can receive communications from the scannercomponent while being operated either locally at computer 15 or remotelyat computer 35. It will be appreciated that computer and monitor 15 maybe considered remote even when located at the implementation site, sincethey may be connected to elements 10 via Ethernet or fiber cabling 12,for example, or via wireless communication at a distance of, forexample, 100 meters or more from the elements 10. Maintaining such adistance is an added precautionary benefit afforded to users of thepresent invention, limiting risk of human injury or computer systemdamage in the case of explosives being detonated or other hazardousmaterials being exposed at the location of elements 10.

The monitor (shown generally in FIG. 6 with computer as 15) can containseveral components: a single board computer (SBC); a power supply; and aOne Touch Screen controller. In one embodiment of the present invention,the monitor can be in an aluminum casing with an opening at the front toexpose the touch screen, and an opening at the back to expose smallplugs for CAT5E (network cabling), power, server connection and two USBports, for example. The monitor can also be provided with a coverspecifically designed to act both as a cover for the screen duringtransportation and as a stand during operations. The cover slides upthrough slots on the side of the cover and then slides down the back ofthe monitor and screw knobs hold the cover in position for bothtransportation and operations. The monitor can further be provided witha carrier handle for ease of transportation. In one embodiment, themonitor's screen is an 18.5″ “Near Field Imaging Capacitive TouchScreen” (up to welding glove sensitivity) with Enhanced SpeculaReflector (ESR). The ESR film reflects approximately 5% of the ambientlight back through the LCD.

The touch screen can be operated by touching the screen with a barefinger or even less sensitive items all the way up to a welder's glove,for example. The screen configuration caters to a number of issuesrelevant to the operation of the invention. For example, the touchscreen interface is intuitive (i.e., one can see it, touch it), it isreadable in day light, and it allows operators to keep gloves on in hotand cold conditions. Sample screen shots associated with the presentinvention are shown in FIGS. 7 through 9.

FIGS. 7 through 9 show sample screen images of what might appear on themonitor during operation of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 7, aportion of the interface 110 can display an above ground image 112 ofthe oncoming vehicle 111. Another portion of the interface can show thestitched image 114 representing one of the two simultaneousundercarriage images captured by the camera as the vehicle moved acrossthe platform and/or scanner configuration. In one embodiment of theinvention, the two images appear on screen at the same time, while inanother embodiment as shown in FIG. 7, either the forward facing orrearward facing image appears with an appropriate input selectoravailable to toggle between views. Another portion of the interface canshow a previously stored reference image 116 for comparing with image114. Various interface buttons are shown which allow the user to show afull screen image 120, zoom 122, toggle the view between forward andbackward image 124, reference image 126, show the history 128 and exit129 the system. Additionally, the user can conduct file operations suchas saving the screen image, noting the date/time 130, noting the licenseplate 132 and reviewing/editing other details 134. The user can alsoview and/or control the traffic light associated with the system of thepresent invention as described in more detail below, using input element137.

As shown in FIG. 8, any discrepancies 102 located in the field image 112can be highlighted such as by being circled (in a color such as red, forexample), as indicated by reference numeral 105, for example. In oneembodiment of the invention, as represented in FIG. 9, operators cantouch the red circle on the original screen display 140 to zoom in tothe identified discrepancy in a zoomed image display 145. At the sametime, the identical position on the reference image can be centered inthe reference image box on screen 116, thereby allowing for immediatecomparison with a reference vehicle undercarriage. Anomalies mightinclude, for example, foreign objects, explosives, drugs, paraphernaliaand other illegal and/or harmful substances and devices.

The front view display of the vehicle 111 can be used to read licenseplates and other externally identifiable indicia, which may then beentered into the system through a pop-up soft key pad on the screen, forexample. The screen functions allow for full screen views of the currentimage and an ability to toggle between front and backward looking viewsof the undercarriage. The present invention can further use RFID,license plate number readers and other electronic forms ofidentification (vehicle identifiers) to link vehicle images directly toa specific vehicle. In this way, the present invention can recall thevehicle undercarriage at later times, such as when the vehicle returnsover the detection element of the present invention to then perform anautomatic search of the vehicle. In one embodiment of the presentinvention, the primary form of recognition is the image of the vehicleundercarriage itself in a similar fashion to the way a finger printreader recognizes a person by their fingerprint, for example.

The present invention thus provides an entry control system thatcomprises the scanner configuration in communication with the computerand monitor so as to detect vehicles whose undersides may exhibitfeatures that the system detects as anomalies. The computer can accessthe system database, which holds details of vehicle undercarriage imagescategorized by at least one identifier, such as, for example, thevehicle make, model, year, license plate, license number, vehicleidentification number (VIN), RFID tag and/or vehicle owner information.The computer can further include programming for comparing field imagedata obtained against the images in the database.

The present invention further retains both reference and archived imageson either a local or central database and can access the images througha network configuration. Vehicles returning over the system at any pointwithin the network can be compared automatically to their previous image(for example, if license plate number or RFID reader deployed) or to asame or similar vehicle make and model image through the referencedatabase. In one embodiment of the present invention, the referencedatabase comprises in part the previously identified vehicle makes andmodels.

In one embodiment of the invention, the vehicle image history can alsobe displayed by touching the “history” button, at which time a calendarwill be displayed, inviting the operator to pick a date to review imagesthat are register by date and time stamp. A further feature activatedthrough the screen is the search feature where a particular vehiclenumber plate can be entered and that vehicle's history will be displayedon screen, listing the date and time of all visits by that vehicle tothat particular scanner (entry control point). In a networked situationit would also show the date and time that vehicle entered other controlpoints within a control point network.

Operations

In installation of the present invention, calibration programming can beprovided for calibrating the scanner camera in combination with themirror arrangements described. By calibrating the camera such that itcaptures only mirror-reflected images and no ancillary details, thereliability and detail of the captured images are significantlyimproved. Once the system has been successfully installed, it is readyto record images.

As a vehicle crosses the proximity sensor, the front camera takes apicture of the front of the vehicle, the system lights turn on, the mainscanner camera starts its operation and the traffic light turns fromgreen to red. The camera upon triggering is looking for movement in thebackground. The camera communicates with the scanner SBC, which alsocommunicates with the monitor as described. Once the camera sensesmovement, it begins the stitching process of compiling two completeimages of the vehicle crossing over the scanner. The two images areproduced from the video views seen and recorded through the two mainmirrors. The stitched images, along with the picture of the front of thevehicle, are transferred to the monitor via the CAT5E cable, fiber orwireless means as known in the art, if available. Part of the scannerSBC's role is to compile the two images and to communicate with the DIOto control the red LEDs and traffic light(s). Upon compiling the twoimages, the scanner SBC can communicate the images in addition to theabove ground camera image to the monitor.

If the system of the present invention is being used to initiatecollection and storage of reference images in the database for a givenvehicle, then the system will store the acquired images. In oneembodiment of the invention, the system of the present invention willstore information regarding the vehicle's make, model, year andtransmission type (e.g., standard (i.e., manual) or automatic). It willbe appreciated that the scanner configuration of the present inventionallows the system of the present invention to collect and storeidentifying details such as, for example, the vehicle's exhaust layout,drive shafts, axle configuration, catalytic converter, muffler(s), fueltank(s), spare tire position, and trunk configuration. Prior to thestoring of collected reference images, the system of the presentinvention contains programming which allows a user monitoring the datacollection to appropriately trim or crop images. In one embodiment ofthe present invention, when a new undercarriage image is being inputinto the reference database, a box can appear on the user interfacecontaining the view of the vehicle undercarriage. The image can beprovided with four (e.g., red) lines surrounding it to allow theoperator to trim or crop undesirable background material. Byappropriately cropping images prior to entry into the referencedatabase, the present invention significantly reduces the possibility offalse positive matches in the future. In one embodiment, as an operatortouches or clicks on each red line, the active line becomes green oranother color, which signifies to the user that it is the active linecapable of current manipulation. When the operator has completed thecropping process for the front view of the vehicle, the system presentsthe back view image and the operation can be repeated.

It will be appreciated that the database of the present invention is ofsignificant size to support the largest possible operations. In oneembodiment of the present invention, the database is at least 80Gigabytes in size and is capable of storing more than 250,000 highquality digital images. A given vehicle's history is also available forretrieval on demand, including profile information, image informationand traffic history. In one embodiment of the present invention, anoperator can place a vehicle on a watch list, such that when thatvehicle is detected by a vehicle detection system in communication withthe present invention, an alert is signaled and appropriatelycommunicated.

If the system of the present invention is being used with fieldcollected data, then once the SBC within the monitor receives the imagesof the under vehicle, it searches the reference database for the same orsimilar image(s). In one embodiment of the present invention, the systemincludes software, hardware and/or a combination of the two thatanalyzes the field images transmitted by the scanner SBC. The imageviews (front facing and rearward facing) are analyzed as a completepattern and the system searches the reference database using thiscomplete pattern. In one embodiment of the present invention, the systemhas a user defined threshold for identifying the same or similarvehicles and only images that exceed this threshold are reviewed. In oneembodiment of the present invention, the threshold is set at 70%, whichmeans that the system of the present invention will only review vehicleimages that exceed 70% similarities with the newly scanned vehicle. In afurther embodiment of the present invention, once the system hasidentified all vehicles that exceed 70% similarities, the system of thepresent invention will only display information regarding the vehiclewith the greatest percentage or level of similarity above theestablished threshold.

If the system of the present invention finds a same or similar image orimages to the field collected image(s), the system will perform a matchof the two images to highlight any differences and will display thesame. In one embodiment of the present invention, results are displayedon the monitor within a total processing time of four seconds or lessfrom the time the images are first received from the scanner camera. Inone embodiment, the system of the present invention has a sensitivitysetting for both the degree of same or similar vehicle and the level ofsensitivity of the foreign object detection. In one embodiment of theinvention, when the system identifies changes between collected imagesfrom the field and previously stored reference images, the system willsound an audible alarm (in addition to generating a red ring around theanomaly, for example). Thus, once field images are obtained, the systemof the present invention uses the stitched images to compare them withstored images from the reference database. For the most closely matchingimages meeting the pre-established threshold level, the system willreturn the make and model of the given vehicle. Additionally, once themost closely similar vehicle make and model is established, the systemof the present invention will compare the newly captured images with thereferenced images to determine whether a foreign object or other anomalyis present.

It will be appreciated that the system of the present invention is farless sensitive to the speed of the passing vehicle than systems thatemploy line scanning. In area scan cameras, a CCD (charge-coupleddevice) matrix (typically rectangular in form) of pixels provides a viewof an object that contains both length and width. The width is typicallyless than or equal to 1300 pixels and the length is determined by thecamera's frame rate. With a line scan camera, the CCD contains only asingle row of pixels. This almost one-dimensional image usually requiresthat the object be moved and that a series of pictures be taken toprovide useful data for an inspection. Line scan cameras typicallyprovide for fast scanning of the pixels so that many pictures can betaken over a short period of time as the object moves in the field ofview of the camera. However, a significant problem with line scanningtechnology as it is applied to under vehicle inspection is that theperformance of a line scanner is dependent on controlling the speed ofthe vehicle. A line scanner scans in very thin, one-dimensional linesthat are laid together to form a two dimensional view. However, if theobject (vehicle) being scanned moves too quickly or too slowly for theline scanner, the results will vary. Thus, if, while the scanner isrecording a line of view, the vehicle moves faster than the rate atwhich the line scanner is operating, the scanner will miss part of thevehicle undercarriage, resulting in a “short” appearing vehicle.Conversely, if the vehicle is moving slower than the scanner, it willdouble up on the lines recorded resulting in a longer-appearing vehicle.Line scanning under-vehicle technology is thus inferior in attempting toperform automatic matching, as it is virtually impossible to have avehicle drive over a scanner at the exact same speed each time and atthe required speed of the line scanning camera.

In the present invention, the area scan camera's rectangle of pixels(CCD Matrix) provides the system with the ability to stitch overlappingCCD Matrixes based on the overlapping pixels within the Matrix. As thecamera operates at 200 frames per second, many frames are provided tothe system to stitch frames based on pixel matching. The frame rate ofthe camera provides greater length to the matrix that in turn allows forgreater flexibility in speed of a vehicle crossing the scanner, as thesystem has longer matrices (providing greater opportunity for overlap)by which to collect the required pixels to build the composite images.

The sensitivity of same or similar vehicle is on a scale of 0-100 where100 is looking for the exact same vehicle and 0 is for the vehicle withthe least number of similar reference points. In one embodiment, if thesystem is set to 100, the system would not be able to detect foreignobjects. This is because the system would be looking for a vehicle thathas the same foreign object both in size and position on the vehicle. Alesser setting is recommended for this reason. The sensitivity settingfor foreign object detection ranges from 0-100. The higher the level ofsensitivity, the higher the level of differences the system will detector the smaller the foreign object the system will detect.

It will be appreciated that the ambient light shields (ALSs) reduce thelevel of ambient light that the scanner is exposed to. By reducing thelevel of ambient light, the system is better able to complete searchesat a higher sensitivity level without a number of ambient lightdifferences (false positives) being detected by the system as well.

In a further embodiment of the present invention, a gatepost componentis provided as an additional, remotely managed, above ground system toassist in inspecting vehicles and their occupants prior to allowingentry or access to a restricted area. An example schematic layout of apotential entry control system incorporating the gatepost of the presentinvention is shown in FIG. 10. As shown therein, a set of barrier walls160 can be placed to channel vehicle traffic into and/or over the entrycontrol point system of the present invention and its components. In oneaspect, auto road spikes or one way spikes can be placed at variouslocations within the system as at 161 to dissuade drivers fromattempting to reverse directions. The direction of vehicle travel isindicated by the arrows, with different directions shown based on theoutcome of inspecting the vehicle. The scanner component of the presentinvention is indicated generally at 162 and it will be appreciated thatthis implementation can be either embedded or with runners as previouslydescribed. A first traffic light can be situated as shown at 164 toindicate to the oncoming vehicle whether to proceed or stop, and anabove ground pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) camera 165 can be provided atop a tentor other structure covering the scanner component to allow an overviewof the gatepost 166 and entry area, as well as to inspect the inside ofthe vehicle trunk, the back of a truck, and similar areas from the rearof a vehicle.

The gatepost 166 can comprise a pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) camera, a hands-freetwo-way communication system and an interchangeable cross-match fingerprint reader/finger print reader and ID scanner (capable of readingmagnetic stripe and/or bar code), all mounted on an actuator that can beremotely raised and lowered (e.g., thirty inches or more) atop apedestal base. In one embodiment, the gatepost camera can have, forexample, 22× optical zoom and 10× digital zoom, and the pedestal basecan be forty-two inches tall. The communication system can have multiplepre-programmed messages stored in multiple languages, including messagessuch as “open windows,”, “open trunk,” “pull on hand brake,” “keep handsin clear view,” and so forth. In one embodiment of the presentinvention, the gatepost 166 can be connected either by CAT5E (Ethernet)cabling up to 300 feet or more, or by ruggedized (multi mode) fiberoptics cable up to 10,000 feet to the system monitor as indicated at167. Such cabling can also be provided to connect the scanner componentand other components to the monitor. A second traffic light 168,separate electronic message board 169 and an optional light curtain (notshown) can also be employed at the entry way into the restricted accessarea as part of the gatepost employed with the present invention.

An operator using the monitor described above can thereby: verifywhether a driver/passenger and their vehicle are authorized to enter afacility; inspect via ID scanner a driver/passenger's credentials (IDcard, etc.); inspect the inside of a vehicle in much greater detail,including the vehicle's trunk and the back of a truck; inspect thevehicle undercarriage and automatically identify any foreign objects oralterations to standard vehicle configurations as described previously;verify the make and model of a vehicle against an authorized vehicledescription; communicate with the driver/passenger via the hands freecommunication device; and control the various other devices such as theauto spikes, traffic lights, electronic message board, and so forth.

Additionally, the operator can automatically record all vehicle anddriver/passenger activity, place vehicles, drivers and passengers onwatch lists and set up monitoring reports and alerts. If the vehicle isdetermined to be approved for access, the second traffic light can beturned to green at which time the vehicle can enter in one direction asshown. If the vehicle is denied access, the vehicle will be directed tothe first right before the entry way as shown in FIG. 10.

It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that any computer systemthat includes suitable programming means for operating in accordancewith the disclosed methods also falls well within the scope of thepresent invention. Suitable programming means include any means fordirecting a computer system to execute the steps of the system andmethod of the invention, including for example, systems comprised ofprocessing units and arithmetic-logic circuits coupled to computermemory, which systems have the capability of storing in computer memory,which computer memory includes electronic circuits configured to storedata and program instructions, programmed steps of the method of theinvention for execution by a processing unit. The invention also may beembodied in a computer program product, such as a diskette or otherrecording medium, for use with any suitable data processing system. Thepresent invention can further run on a variety of platforms, includingMicrosoft Windows™, Linux™, Sun Solaris™, HP/UX™, IBM AIX™ and Javacompliant platforms, for example.

The invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departingfrom the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. The presentembodiments are therefore to be considered in all respects asillustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the invention beingindicated by the claims of the application rather than by the foregoingdescription, and all changes which come within the meaning and range ofequivalency of the claims are therefore intended to be embraced therein.

1. A method for establishing records for use in analyzing the undersideof a vehicle, comprising the steps of: recording one or more images ofthe underside of one or more vehicles using a scanner cameraconfiguration comprising a camera adapted to record simultaneous ornear-simultaneous images of a vehicle underside from different angles,wherein the scanner camera configuration further comprises a scannerframework having a front end, a back end and a top surface, a firstmirror arrangement secured to the framework so as to provide a firstreflecting surface angled upwardly toward the to surface and toward theframework front end, and a second mirror arrangement secured to theframework so as to provide a second reflecting surface angled upwardlyin a direction facing the framework top surface and the framework backend; categorizing the one or more images according to the vehicle year,make, model and transmission type; and storing the one or more images ina computer database.
 2. The method of claim 1 wherein the camera has alens and is secured to the framework such that a portion of the lensfaces the first mirror arrangement and a portion of the lens faces thesecond mirror arrangement.
 3. A method for establishing records for usein analyzing the underside of a vehicle, comprising the steps of:recording one or more images of the underside of one or more vehiclesusing a scanner camera configuration comprising a camera adapted torecord simultaneous or near-simultaneous images of a vehicle undersidefrom different angles, wherein the scanner camera configuration furthercomprises a scanner framework having a front end, a back end and a topsurface, and further wherein the camera is secured such that the cameralens is angled downwardly away from the framework top surface;categorizing the one or more images according to the vehicle year, make,model and transmission type; and storing the one or more images in acomputer database.
 4. A method for establishing records for use inanalyzing the underside of a vehicle, comprising the steps of: recordingone or more images of the underside of one or more vehicles using ascanner camera configuration comprising a camera adapted to recordsimultaneous or near-simultaneous images of a vehicle underside fromdifferent angles, wherein the scanner camera configuration furthercomprises a scanner framework having a front end, a back end and a topsurface, and further wherein the camera is secured to the framework suchthat the lens faces the framework back end; categorizing the one or moreimages according to the vehicle year, make, model and transmission type;and storing the one or more images in a computer database.